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Gary Neville has warned Manchester United to deal with the Cristiano Ronaldo situation quickly.
The Portugal sensation, 37, has asked to leave the club this summer, with Chelsea and Barcelona among clubs considering a bid.
Ronaldo has not reported for United training in recent days, citing family reasons, sparking fears he could miss the club’s pre-season tour.
However, talkSPORT understands the Premier League side do not want to sell their star striker, who still has a year to run on his current deal.
Ronaldo is thought to be a key part of new manager Erik ten Hag’s plans as the Dutchman looks to rebuild a faltering team at Old Trafford.
United have moved to agree deals for Feyenoord defender Tyrell Malacia and free agent Christian Eriksen, while continuing to pursue Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
Neville insists the saga surrounding Ronaldo cannot be allowed to detract from Ten Hag’s opening months at the club.
“The only important factor with the Ronaldo situation is that it’s dealt with decisively and quickly,” Neville tweeted.
“This can’t be a saga that takes the focus away from ETH bedding in period for the next two months.”
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is thought to be interested in signing Ronaldo after meeting with his agent Jorge Mendes.
The Blues are yet to decide whether to pounce – and the club will face another big call if they do: what shirt number would Ronaldo wear?
Edinson Cavani vacated United’s no.7 shirt for Ronaldo upon his return to Old Trafford – and there is every chance football’s nicest man N’Golo Kante would do the same thing at Stamford Bridge.
However, despite his entire brand being connected to no.7, Ronaldo might be tempted by another number if he joins Chelsea.
The no.9 shirt is available following Romelu Lukaku’s loan move to Inter Milan – after the Belgian became the latest player to struggle wearing that jersey for the Blues.
It is a well-known curse which dates back years – claiming victims such as Fernando Torres, Radamel Falcao, Alvaro Morata and Gonzalo Higuain.
Ronaldo wore no.9 for one season – in the 2009/10 campaign – during his time at Real Madrid and the stats suggest he could be the man to break Chelsea’s curse.
In 35 matches, the Portguese superstar scored 33 goals and recorded seven assists.
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